Currently reading

I Am That by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

This is an incredibly powerful spiritual book, one of the best ones I’ve ever read.

2022

How to Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price

This book had some excellent advice and pointers for breaking up with your phone / getting some distance from devices. Some key things I implemented were no social media apps on the phone, streaming apps on demand (download, then delete right after watching), and removing badge notifications (those red dot alerts). The results have been a healthier relationship with my phone (and other devices).

The Hero Code by Admiral William H. McRaven

I read this book on repeat - it has given me permission to live by higher values like courage and integrity. After witnessing an utter lack of alignment with stated values at the institution where I spent much of my career, this book helped restore my faith that those higher values matter, and that they are worth living by.

Make Your Bed with Skipper the Seal by Admiral William H. McRaven

This is the children’s version of the book Make Your Bed (based on the graduation/commencement speech given by Admiral McRaven). I read both versions (adult and children) and recommend both, but the illustrations and summary in the children’s version make it well-worth viewing.

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

When I first picked up this book (years earlier), I couldn’t read it - it felt too harsh, and I was too traumatized. This time, however, it was PERFECT - I relished the story of Goggins, the trials he came through, and the lessons learned. He is someone I look up to (and dare I say smarter and more hardcore than anyone I met at Harvard). Highly recommend following him on Instagram.

Living with a SEAL by Jesse Itzler

This book launched my obsession with the Navy SEALs. I found it hilarious to hear about a SEAL from the perspective of a man living in comfort.

2021

Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

I watched the movie first - highly recommend - and then I supplemented with the book. The storyline was great, and I was drawn to 1) the description of nature and places I would love to visit, and 2) the story of untapped creative potential. The movie and book in combination were a delight.

The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck

I love anything by Martha Beck. She’s my primary spiritual teacher. This book is based on Dante’s Divine Comedy, which she describes as one of the earliest self-help books. Spoiler alert, you’ll have to go through hell to get to paradise. Her book is a guide along this process.

Discover Your Dharma by Sahara Rose

I am gobsmacked. Every once in a while you come across an author or book that just speaks right to your soul, and this was it for me. Sahara’s online quiz helped me see that - though I thought I was a researcher - I’m primarily a visionary, which explains why I never fit the typical scientist archetype. It was so helpful to find this out, and have permission to follow this archetype, as I think about planning my career.

2020

When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron

I heard of Pema Chodron through Oprah’s Super Soul series a while ago, but I’m just now reading her books. The teacher shows up when the student is ready, they say! I was taken aback by how much I liked this book and how timely and relevant it is. At the core of the teachings is to get comfortable with feelings that are uncomfortable, and accessing this through meditation. I can’t recommend this book enough.

Dear Girls by Ali Wong

Ali Wong not only has a remarkable sense of humor, but she goes deep into pointing out some truths about our culture in a very funny way.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Get this book. The four keys will change your life. I like Glennon Doyle for her brand of truth-telling, and I liked hearing her story of how she followed her own wisdom into a partnership and marriage with Abby Wambach.

Whistleblower by Susan Fowler

This isn’t just a book about whistleblowing, it is about a woman who had big dreams and many roadblocks, and used her experience to do something great in the world.

2019

A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson

This book is so good I devoured it in a day. The notion of choosing love as a way to bring good into the world is the theme.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

A cute story of kids that go on an intergalactic journey to rescue their father.

The Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life by Boyd Varty

This book was a delight. It describes a day of lion tracking in the African bushveld, relating this to how your can track your life’s purpose. There is gorgeous scenery described. It’s a must-read.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama’s life story… this book is so good. The reviews online speak for themselves!

Dying To Be Me by Anita Moorjani

A story of a woman’s near death experience and what it taught her about living life. An inspiring read for living fearlessly, and a deep lesson in self-love.

Wolfpack by Abby Wambach

I got this book before seeing Abby Wambach in person, and she did not disappoint. She is a team player and very encouraging of women in their careers. Her strength comes through in this book.

Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates

Stunning examples of how gender inequity is at the heart of development issues and how solving gender inequity can have profound positive effects.

Expecting Adam by Martha Beck (my all-time favorite book)

A Harvard-trained sociologist becomes pregnant with a baby with Down’s syndrome, which turns over her fundamental beliefs of what it means to be valued in society. An amazing story of shifting perspectives.

A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle is my favorite spiritual author. This book highlights how our primary purpose in life is to let the inner spirit shine through and to choose activities that are aligned with the truest self. I highly recommend reading this along with Oprah’s podcast series for the book!